MP for North Devon, Selaine Saxby, is pleased to announce the first winner of her Coronavirus Heroes, Points of Light Award as Julie Whitton from Swimbridge!
The award, hosted in partnership with The Voice FM, is a way of celebrating individuals and groups from across North Devon who have stood out as points of light in their community. Giving up their precious time to support the vulnerable and those in need during the coronavirus pandemic.
Julie, from Swimbridge, was nominated by a fellow resident:
Julie is passionate about helping others and a passionate fundraiser, travelling around the county fundraising at various events for charities locally. Julie is an exceptional person, vibrant, cheerful and always smiling and positive. Julie organises our monthly newsletter which is such an important link full of informative support especially during Covid-19. She is also coordinating the Swimbridge Coronavirus Support Group which helps anybody that needs support with anything especially the over 70's, those with underlying health problems and those self-isolating with shopping, picking up medical supplies, posting mail and a phone call etc, etc. Julie is one of those people truly deserved of a heroes title.
Julie is one of the lead organisers of the Swimbridge Coronavirus Support Group, whose work has been recognised by Devon Communities Together as an example of best practice in community volunteering and shared with other communities as a model to follow. St James Church in the village has also been very supportive of the efforts.
Selaine announced Julie as the winner live on The Voice FM on Friday morning with presenters Hopps & Chapple and will be featured on Selaine’s social media.
Selaine said:
Congratulations to Julie and the whole team of volunteers in the Swimbridge Coronavirus Support Group who have been doing amazing work supporting the community and they should all be recognised for their hard work.
I would like to reiterate my thanks to all those across North Devon who give up their precious time to help others most in need. This has been particularly important over recent months where we have seen volunteers come out and help vulnerable friends and neighbours during the Covid-19 outbreak.
Thank you especially to Julie and the team for their efforts, Swimbridge is very lucky to have them, as they really do stand out as a great example of the best of North Devon and should be celebrated.
Selaine will be announcing a winner of the award every week on The Voice FM on Friday mornings.
Nominations are still open so If you know someone who is deserving of recognition please do get in touch with Selaine. All the details of how to nominate can be found on her website www.selainesaxby.org.uk, or send an email to [email protected].
Image: Members of the Swimbridge Coronavirus Support Group (L-R): Clare Treweeke, Niccola Buckler, Jack Russell Inn proprietors Paul, Mel & Amelia Darch, Yvette Charlton, Landkey Lyncroft Stores Proprietors John & Janette Stitt, Matt Smith and Julie Whitton (winner).
